GOLD Coast is all but resigned to losing co-captain Tom Lynch in free agency with coach Stuart Dew conceding on Wednesday "it's not looking great".

Lynch is in Melbourne after having surgery on his injured knee and is expected back in Queensland next week.   

"I think history suggests that if you don't know at round 18, and he's our captain, it's not looking great, but that's the reality of AFL footy," Dew said.   

"We're certainly planning for both (scenarios)."   

COMMENT Hawks clear cap space for Lynch

Lynch has been linked with Collingwood, Richmond and Hawthorn for most of his contract year.   

The 25-year-old key forward has been tight-lipped about his future, while the Suns' have consistently stated they've been happy with the negotiations.

With Lynch sidelined for the rest of the season and successful surgery behind him, it is thought the Suns want an answer sooner rather than later.

"With Tom out for the year, we have parked it," Dew said.

"We're trying to snap a losing streak and Tom at the moment can't help us with that."

Lynch has played 131 games for the Suns, including 10 this season before a recurrence of a PCL problem shortened his campaign.